tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55781518406063218982018-03-06T16:27:53.453-05:00Mommy 201A blog about the challenges of being a first time momMicaylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01645405797975209528noreply@blogger.comBlogger356125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578151840606321898.post-78078757138422384162011-10-10T20:29:00.000-04:002011-10-10T20:29:03.497-04:00A brief catch upI have been Busy with a capital B. The crazy thing about being a mom who works outside of the home is that my at-home work has remained the same, but my time to get things done has&nbsp;severely decreased. Therefore I am stressed and worn thin 24/7.<br />Not to mention the fact that my sweet baby who has been down to one feeding a night for months has suddenly decided that he needs to scream at the top of his lungs like he's in pain around 2 every night until I feed him.<br /><br />But there are good things too.<br /><br />The highlights of my day today was:<br />1. Watching Xander's personality emerging. Just this past weekend he has really started becoming a person instead of just a baby. He is becoming this goof-ball little kid who lives to make people laugh. He makes funny faces, funny noises, bounces everywhere, and absolutely loves to jump. He's also a huge flirt. As soon as he spots a cute girl he gets this silly grin on his face, and stares at her until she looks at him and smiles. He was ridiculous flirting with every girl on the train to Philly this weekend.<br /><br />2. Ryleigh praying: "Dear Jesus, I vank (thank) you for we got to go outside today and play with the beautiful weather". It took a lot of self control not to laugh while she was praying.Micaylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01645405797975209528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578151840606321898.post-27029781920528915122011-08-28T21:21:00.000-04:002011-08-28T21:21:35.077-04:00Giggles by RyleighToday since church was canceled we spent the whole morning at home getting a bunch of stuff done. It was mostly small stuff that we kept meaning to do, but never actually getting around to it.<br />Ryleigh loved getting to "help" daddy do everything. She definitely enjoys helping him use all his tools.<br /><br />At one point Ryan said he needed a washer, like those small metal things you put on screws. Ryleigh ran into the bathroom, then comes back with her hands kinda wet and said, "Here's a washer daddy". She washed her hands then gave them to him thinking that is what a washer was. Haha. She's so cute sometimes<br /><br />Micaylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01645405797975209528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578151840606321898.post-84856545991448752832011-08-22T22:20:00.000-04:002011-08-22T22:20:31.251-04:00Major Life ChangeI am about to begin a major life change. The end of my "career" as a stay at home mom. It's been a great 2 1/2 years! I'm so sad to see it end, but at the same time, excited about a new chapter in my life.<br /><br />I recently accepted a position as a preschool teacher. The job is part time, at a Christian preschool, and I get to bring my kids with me. And best of all, I will be the infant room teacher, so I get to be in the same room as Xander. How awesome is that? I get to work, but still be with my baby all day. And it's pretty much my dream job. I get paid to take care of babies all day &lt;3<br /><br />I left it all in God's hands and figured if He wanted me to go back to work then he would open the doors for it to happen. And I decided that when the perfect job lands right in your lap it would be stupid to turn it down. Right?<br /><br />Yes I am sad that I won't have the freedom to do what I want each day as a stay at home mom. But I definitely know that a more structured environment would really benefit Ryleigh. And I also know I am really looking forward to being "me" again.<br />As much as I've loved being a SAHM I've struggled to keep my identity. I've missed having a roll outside of the home. I'm looking forward to having co-workers to build relationships with, and interacting with new people other than my usual fellow SAHMs crowd. I'm looking forward to branching out a little more into the world.<br /><br />Plus I'm super excited about the money. I'm not going to lie. Ryan does a great job of providing for us. He makes more than enough to pay our bills, keep a roof over our heads, and food on our table. So my paycheck will just be "fun money". We can plan a trip to Tennessee to visit my sister. We can finally go shopping for new furniture and stuff for the house. We can go out to eat more often. We'll actually have "extra" money, something we haven't had since we've been married.<br /><br />So even though I will be an emotional wreck for the next few weeks there will be some excitement behind my tears as I adjust to this new chapter in my life....Micaylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01645405797975209528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578151840606321898.post-23674527428455152462011-07-14T22:09:00.000-04:002011-07-14T22:09:09.437-04:00Do EverythingI heard this song on the radio, and I can definitely relate to the first verse, so I decided to share:<br />Steven Curtis Chapman- Do Everything<br /><br /><br /><div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;">You’re picking up toys on the living room floor<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />for the 15th time today<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Matching up socks and sweeping up lost<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Cheerios that got away<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />You put a baby on your hip and color on your lips<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />and head out the door<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />And while I may not know you I bet I know you<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Wonder sometimes does it matter at all<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />We’ll let me remind you it all matters just as long as you</div><div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;">Do everything you do to the glory of the One who made you<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Cause He made you to do<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Every little thing that you do to bring a smile to His face<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />And tell the story of grace<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />With every move that you make<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />And every little thing you do</div>Micaylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01645405797975209528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578151840606321898.post-33797313518807593292011-07-08T14:36:00.000-04:002011-07-08T14:36:05.621-04:00Potty Training!Seriously, how are you supposed to potty train a kid when it's something you've never trained anyone to do before, and you yourself learned like 27 years ago?!<br /><br />I know everyone has hints, and suggestions, but since no 2 kids are alike none of the hints and suggestions are always going to work.<br /><br />Ryleigh no longer likes having a wet diaper, and will take hers off if it is wet. But she does not want big girl underwear on. She has no problems peeing or pooping in the potty when we stick her on it, but she won't tell us she needs to go until after the fact. No amount of M&amp;M's or stickers have seemed to help.<br /><br />I'm pretty sure my kid will still be in diapers at her high school graduation. (Okay, not really. I just like to&nbsp;exaggerate&nbsp;:-)Micaylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01645405797975209528noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578151840606321898.post-87640825731383662902011-06-30T13:31:00.000-04:002011-06-30T13:31:35.790-04:00See-saw XanderThis morning I had both of the kids laying down doing diaper changes and changing their clothes. Ryleigh said she wanted to do "see-saw Xander". Since I had no idea what she was talking about I stupidly asked, "What is see-saw Xander?". Next thing I know she's laying across him, rocking back and forth using him as the fulcrum of the see-saw! Ahh! Where does she come up with this stuff?<br /><br />At lunch yesterday she wrote, "The strawberry song". Here are the lyrics:<br /><br />Oh strawberries don't cry<br />We will take you home when the sun comes up!<br /><br />I seriously need to keep a journal of all the crazy/silly things this kid does!Micaylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01645405797975209528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578151840606321898.post-52483664967620979852011-06-28T21:51:00.000-04:002011-06-28T21:51:45.993-04:00If the music's too loud...... then you're too old.<br />Or so the saying goes.<br />Apparently, two days shy of my 29th birthday I am officially "too old".<br /><br />Someone in the house across the street from us has been playing drums since 12:30 this morning. His windows are open, to fully expose the entire neighborhood to his noise. He started right before my kid's naptime and didn't finish until after their bedtime. At one point he had a bass join him.<br />This is the first time since we moved that this has happened. It better not continue.<br /><br />But I am feeling "old" for letting it annoy me. There once was a time not very long ago that I would have been with that drummer. I'd be in the room enjoying the music, and singing along. Ibed &nbsp;was an unofficial roadie with a band that played louder music than that. Plus, I married a drummer, and one of the things that first attracted me to him was the fact that he's a drummer.<br /><br />Fast forward to today where one of the biggest things in my life is getting my kids to bed at appropriate times, and I get angry with anyone and anything that stands in the way of that.<br /><br />Seriously though, I like my peace and quiet. If I was allowed I would totally move to an over 55 community. It would be wonderful! The loudest sound I'd have to deal with is all the old people shouting at each other cause they're hard of hearing.Micaylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01645405797975209528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578151840606321898.post-32457103744795358892011-06-21T22:11:00.000-04:002011-06-21T22:11:29.556-04:00The beginningWe started to paint today! Yay!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X4qPkiKP_PY/TgFPPqpDUtI/AAAAAAAAAY0/4z0bSV_MsDw/s1600/DSC00703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X4qPkiKP_PY/TgFPPqpDUtI/AAAAAAAAAY0/4z0bSV_MsDw/s320/DSC00703.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Out with the peach and in with the brown!Micaylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01645405797975209528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578151840606321898.post-48389231636007533892011-06-16T21:22:00.000-04:002011-06-16T21:22:24.767-04:00Sweet and SeriousMy little 3 month old is showing his personality more and more every day. So far he is a pretty serious little guy. He usually looks like he's deep in thought. But when he smiles it lights us his whole face and you can't help but smile back :-) He's charming in a way that forces you to just keep looking at him and never look away because you just don't want to miss a precious second.<br />I love him so much and I am absolutely loving having a boy!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kLA8QWYxBYQ/TfqsBmUMDzI/AAAAAAAAAYw/AF51aYVIpL4/s1600/2011-06-15+07.52.28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kLA8QWYxBYQ/TfqsBmUMDzI/AAAAAAAAAYw/AF51aYVIpL4/s320/2011-06-15+07.52.28.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Micaylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01645405797975209528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578151840606321898.post-78704417451372490412011-06-14T21:34:00.000-04:002011-06-14T21:34:21.915-04:00Overwhelmed!Right now I am feeling very overwhelmed.<br /><br />The unpacking is almost done. We just have the office left to unpack, and then just some organization of things we're keeping, but need to be stored in an orderly fashion so we can find them when we need them.<br />Once the unpacking is done we can start decorating, but here's the problem... I don't want to hang stuff on the walls until I paint. I can't paint until I can afford to buy some paint. I can't afford paint until we get our security deposit back from our apartment in the end of July/beginning of August :-( I do not want to wait that long to start making my house look beautiful!<br /><br />I know I shouldn't expect it took look instantly beautiful, and that it will take time, but I'm anxious to at least start the beautification process!<br /><br />The outside is coming along. We still have a lot of bushes to pull up. I need to continue edging the walkways and clearing out all the weeds and overgrown stuff in the flower beds. We also need a lawn mower, but thankfully we were able to borrow our neighbors yesterday.<br /><br />Then there's all the furniture we need. We mostly just need furniture for the front porch, like rocking chairs or something. And we need patio furniture and a grill. <br /><br />I know everyone wants pictures, but I dont want to put up pics of the interior without it being all nice and painted because seriously right now our entire house is painted beige/peachy and it's very dull.<br /><br />With that all being said..... my birthday is coming up, if anyone wants to buy me a present Home Depot/Lowe's gift cards would totally be welcomed :-) :-)Micaylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01645405797975209528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578151840606321898.post-48355922709683015922011-05-31T21:55:00.000-04:002011-05-31T21:55:31.340-04:00Moving: Day 1We finally closed on the house today! Yay!<br />We know that this house was totally provided by God because everything has just fallen into place. We found out today that the seller also replaced all the screens in all 22 windows, and replaced a whole bunch of the sidewalk outside of our yard! Then when we got to settlement we found out our final closing costs were a lot cheaper than originally quoted! Praise God!<br /><br />After settlement we started moving boxes. Let me just say that kids do not function well in crazy heat, in an empty house where there's no where to really sit down, and nothing to do! Xander absolutely hates being hot! And Ryleigh just likes to get into every single thing she's not supposed to be touching! Thank God Granny was available to assist.<br /><br />Tomorrow we're hopefully going to bring the remainder of a huge box mountain. On Thursday the hardwood floors are getting installed, and then we will hopefully be ready to move all the big things in.<br /><br />I completely forgot to take pics, so this is a boring blog. But hopefully I'll remember tomorrow!Micaylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01645405797975209528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578151840606321898.post-8024979360610845902011-05-30T22:02:00.000-04:002011-05-30T22:02:32.338-04:00Tomorrow, tomorrow, I love ya tomorrowYes, tomorrow is the day we finally settle on our house. Seriously we found this house before Xander was even born and now he's 12 weeks old! I have been waiting forever!<br /><br />Today we had the final walk through to check repairs done to the house. It was all boring stuff like the dryer needed a new vent, and there was old wiring in the attic that needed to be replaced. Altogether the repairs were about 6,000$, so we were happy the seller agreed to do it. Well, imagine our &nbsp;surprise when we found out they went above and beyond what we asked!<br /><br />The whole front porch needed to be sanded and repainted. When we walked up to the house we realized the whole thing had been redone! Then Ryan said they also fixed a soffet (whatever the heck that is) on the roof, and they nailed a couple of boards on the porch down. They also chopped down a couple of dead trees in the yard, and mowed the lawn recently.<br /><br />I find it so unbelievable that they went beyond what we asked. Even though it was small stuff, and mostly cosmetic it was such a nice surprise. The porch alone was something I was dreading doing, and now I don't have to worry about it! Yay!<br /><br />So now, after signing a million papers tomorrow I can start getting busy with everything. Time to go curtain shopping, paint shopping, furniture shopping, and make 500 trips between our apartment and the house!Micaylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01645405797975209528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578151840606321898.post-74027019025242155712011-05-11T13:10:00.000-04:002011-05-13T16:39:30.680-04:00I need patience and wisdom, and more time would be niceI officially have an embarrassingly disobedient child. Like, the kind that you see in public, and you think to yourself, "That mom must not discipline her child". But I do discipline! All day long. Time outs, spankings, positive reinforcement, you name it, I've tried it. Nothing seems to affect my very headstrong, independent daughter.<br />I've decided it would be much easier if I just didn't leave the house. She always manages to reach the height of disobedience whenever I am feeding Xander. So if we're in a public place and she starts acting up, running away or getting into trouble there's nothing I can do about it.<br />I am so over the terrible twos!<br /><br />And as far as time goes, I need more of it. Yesterday I got so busy I completely forgot about the fact that I was supposed to log in some hours for work! And trying to get my Bible study homework done, or time on my hobby, or even just time to breathe is impossible.<br /><br />Thankfully I have a God who can help me learn patience and who can give me wisdom even when my mind is completely blank and frazzled by my kids!Micaylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01645405797975209528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578151840606321898.post-78520619416209567452011-05-09T14:57:00.000-04:002011-05-09T14:57:57.032-04:00Cuddle time&nbsp;They love each other! And it makes me so happy!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xU1VHxfv6eM/Tcg44mOHhiI/AAAAAAAAAYE/2OHH2W2cF0c/s1600/DSC00580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xU1VHxfv6eM/Tcg44mOHhiI/AAAAAAAAAYE/2OHH2W2cF0c/s320/DSC00580.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-glUpzs3t0cA/Tcg41xVlwcI/AAAAAAAAAYA/Os3-aMAyU10/s1600/DSC00584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-glUpzs3t0cA/Tcg41xVlwcI/AAAAAAAAAYA/Os3-aMAyU10/s320/DSC00584.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Xander pretty much always looks worried.... I think he gets it from meMicaylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01645405797975209528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578151840606321898.post-61327656295306218082011-05-06T21:07:00.000-04:002011-05-06T21:07:24.073-04:00Friday's thoughtsSo despite the fact that we already have a house I still get email updates from realtor websites. They send me the houses that match the criteria we were looking for. I suppose I could cancel these emails, but I don't because I like the reassurance. Again and again I see that we made the right decision about which house to buy, because none of the houses on the market are priced as right, or has a better location, or better property taxes.<br />I was so scared that we would commit ourselves to one house and then be disappointed when something better went up for sale, and I am relieved that it hasn't happened!<br /><br />Along with the new baby, and the new house I have finally begun to&nbsp;pursue&nbsp;a new hobby I've been interested in for a while. I've been dying to start this hobby for over a year, but kept putting it off. I'm not going to tell anyone what it is yet, in case I suck at it, but I'm hoping it's something I'll enjoy as much as I think I will :-)<br /><br />One last thought. The kids had doctors appointment today. Ryleigh is still steadily gaining weight. Woohoo! And Xander is perfectly healthy. The funny thing is, he's just shy of 12 lbs at 2 months and Ryleigh wasn't 12 lbs until almost her 1 year birthday. But it's okay because I love my petite little peanut and she's beautiful and perfect in every way (except for behavior wise)Micaylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01645405797975209528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578151840606321898.post-46230451473297038712011-04-27T21:33:00.000-04:002011-04-27T21:33:06.149-04:00Cuddle BugMy daughter is weird.&nbsp;<div>Every time she goes to sleep she takes an inventory of the things she likes to sleep with. It takes a while, and here's why:</div><div>She needs her regular pillow, pillow pet, a stuffed Tigger, Pooh, frog, dog, Olivia, 2 Taggies blankets, a yellow receiving blanket, a dish towel, and 2 cloth napkins.&nbsp;</div><div>And that's not even the weird part. Sometimes I find spoons in her bed. And then the other day I got her a play bake set complete with metal cake pans and metal cookie cutters, and rolling pin. She keeps asking me if she can sleep with them too! Seriously, &nbsp;a rolling pin... who would want to sleep with a rolling pin?</div><div><br /></div>Micaylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01645405797975209528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578151840606321898.post-82771415809483684302011-04-22T18:54:00.000-04:002011-04-22T18:54:59.070-04:00So long, and farewellTonight makes the end of an era.<br />7 years ago I started working for the Sylvan Learning Center in Virginia. I started just as a sort of assistant, who assisted the teachers while they tutored the students. It was a good job for someone in college getting a degree in education. Eventually, over the next 2 years I acquired other roles, and finally moved up to being a teacher after I graduated.<br /><br />Then came my decision to move to NJ. I decided the easiest way to gain employment was simply to transfer to another center. So I started working at the center in Philadelphia. I worked at a teacher/program manager/trainer/assessment test administrator/secretary/and just about every other role within the center. Sadly the pay just wasn't cutting it, and the commute was a killer, so I quit to become a preschool teacher.<br /><br />But then I decided to try my hand at tutoring online with the Sylvan Online program. I worked as an online tutor for over 3 years. I stayed with the company as they worked through all the kinks, changed their name to Educate Online, and worked to get contracts with various large cities in the country. I enjoyed my job and stuck with it through 2 maternity leaves, and 2 summers of no hours and no pay whatsoever because summers are the slow season.<br /><br />But now it is time to end my job as a tutor. I need to focus on being a mom and a wife more. I'm sad to be leaving, but so glad that God has provided us with enough so that I don't have to work anymore. And I'm so glad that I have a husband who would rather have his kids be raised by their mom, instead of earning a little extra spending money.<br /><br />So, so long tutoring, it's been nice knowing youMicaylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01645405797975209528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578151840606321898.post-54183810899831303742011-04-18T13:37:00.000-04:002011-04-18T13:37:12.837-04:00I just un-quitSo I quit my teaching position, which I am thrilled about. But, I still have my second 5-hour a week job that I wanted to try and keep because now that I'm not teaching it will be a whole lot easier to squeeze 5 hours into my week. Plus, the job project ends in June, so it's only temporary anyway. Well, after much debating by the higher ups in the company they have decided to allow me to keep that second position.<br />So for now my resignation is put on hold. So I am still technically employed, but this job is one that I can do whenever I have free time in the evenings, so there's a lot less pressure. The pay is still ridiculously little, but as we're preparing to buy a house every little bit helps!Micaylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01645405797975209528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578151840606321898.post-35332350251418460842011-04-14T20:00:00.000-04:002011-04-14T20:00:30.195-04:00Busy, busy beeI don't have time for blogging lately cause I'm so busy.<br />If I'm not changing diapers or feeding Ryleigh or Xander then I'm planning stuff for my sister's shower, or planning stuff for our house.<br />I'm mostly excited about the house stuff. After several trips to Lowe's and Home Depot we think we have nailed down the paint colors we want for each room, and the flooring we hope to put in on the main floor. I've also chosen some wall stickers I would like for some of the rooms because I figure they will be easier to stick on than trying to securely hang things on the plaster walls. (Ryan does not like wall stickers, so I kinda have to push him on it)<br /><br />The only room I'm stumped on is ours. I would love to actually make it look romantic, unlike the bedroom/office/drum studio we have now. It's a very bright room since it's on the 3rd floor and has lots of windows. Ryan wants to do dark red, I'd rather keep the room a little more bright and airy. I can't think of a good solution.<br /><br />My other problem is Ry's room. We chose a nice light purple color for her walls, and I know how I want it to look... but I want it to look like a Pottery Barn catalog.... but at a Walmart price, and I'm just not finding anything I like within my price range.<br /><br />But despite my difficulties I am so excited about moving!!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NzpUpvywKpM/TaeKjiIc3XI/AAAAAAAAAX8/7wKXxXrv7y8/s1600/img24l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NzpUpvywKpM/TaeKjiIc3XI/AAAAAAAAAX8/7wKXxXrv7y8/s320/img24l.jpg" width="262" /></a></div>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dreaming ^Micaylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01645405797975209528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578151840606321898.post-51720793148907134392011-04-11T19:54:00.000-04:002011-04-11T19:54:21.178-04:00Rainforest CafeToday we decided to take Ryleigh to the Rainforest Cafe. Ryan and I had never been there either, and I had a coupon, so we figured why not go spend the morning in A.C.<br />Of course Ryleigh loved it. I was afraid she might be scared by the animals, but after we explained that they were just big toys that moved she seemed okay with them.<br />So, here is our day in pictures.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5tTpFqLUKGE/TaOQsQ_WfiI/AAAAAAAAAXs/mterhQWmS9w/s1600/DSC00505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5tTpFqLUKGE/TaOQsQ_WfiI/AAAAAAAAAXs/mterhQWmS9w/s320/DSC00505.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bTdp3ZNbyHY/TaOQsnsq-KI/AAAAAAAAAXw/CEAKfqR7Y2o/s1600/DSC00508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>&nbsp;Most kids would be scared by giant animatronic (sp?) elephants... not Ryleigh. She just wanted to pet them<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QYqAQFiJSx8/TaOQtdCaz1I/AAAAAAAAAX0/mYneGoQAKAs/s1600/DSC00509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QYqAQFiJSx8/TaOQtdCaz1I/AAAAAAAAAX0/mYneGoQAKAs/s320/DSC00509.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TF5gYbLOZr8/TaOQtq4lICI/AAAAAAAAAX4/kd1CJQt1V6A/s1600/DSC00510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TF5gYbLOZr8/TaOQtq4lICI/AAAAAAAAAX4/kd1CJQt1V6A/s320/DSC00510.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Xander was not all that impressed... maybe the waterfall lulled him to sleep<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XZaugDjYqKA/TaOQr9rcYVI/AAAAAAAAAXo/rcqlFUhZa7o/s1600/DSC00511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XZaugDjYqKA/TaOQr9rcYVI/AAAAAAAAAXo/rcqlFUhZa7o/s320/DSC00511.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Here's the love of my life who ordered us a giant volcano full of ice cream, chocolate, and caramel! This came after the delicious mushroom stuffed ravioli in a creamy lobster sauce that I had for lunch. We absolutely had to walk the boardwalk to burn off the thousands of calories we consumed!Micaylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01645405797975209528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578151840606321898.post-75669995156179042312011-04-08T21:18:00.000-04:002011-04-08T21:18:38.862-04:00I hate making decisions!Today was technically supposed to be my first day back to work from maternity leave. But, since the boss of my second position doesn't actually know when I'm supposed to return I decided to postpone it till tomorrow. Mostly because Ryan didn't even make it home till 7.<br /><br />However, I'm thinking of quitting my job. I was planning on working until the summer, when my hours pretty much disappear anyway. But, now with Ryan on a new route at work he gets home later, and will not always be home in time for me to work. It was super stressful when I used to have to juggle one kid while trying to work when he wasn't home..... it would definitely be impossible with 2 kids, one of them being an infant.<br /><br />Plus, Xander won't take a bottle, so on nights when I have to work for 3 hours he wouldn't eat. It's not that he refuses bottles. He tries to drink them, but ends up having swallowing issues and just spits everything up. And I don't want to push a bottle if I don't have to.<br /><br />Plus, the pay is so not worth the stress.<br /><br />However, I am so nervous about actually quitting my job. It will allow me to finally be a strictly stay at home mom like I've always wanted. But I am stressed that it will depress me. I don't actually want to work at all. I've never wanted a career. But, having a college degree makes me feel important, and smart, and accomplished. What if I give that all up and no longer feel good about myself?<br /><br />I just pray that I can find a sense of accomplishment in being a mother. And hopefully the work we'll be putting into the house will occupy my time so I don't go insane with boredom!Micaylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01645405797975209528noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578151840606321898.post-13165149988245489512011-04-08T21:03:00.000-04:002011-04-08T21:03:46.110-04:00One Fish, Two FishRyleigh loves the book One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish. We end up quoting parts of it through out the day... actually, we quote a lot of books because we both love reading.<br /><br />One page in One Fish says:<br />I do not like this one so well<br />All he does is yell, yell, yell<br />I will not have this one about<br />When he comes in I put him out<br /><br />Well today after a very stressful day I ended up yelling at Ryleigh for spitting food out of her mouth. I realized I shouldn't have yelled, so I apologized for it. She looked at me and said, "put mommy out".Micaylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01645405797975209528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578151840606321898.post-18738512380259841722011-04-05T13:31:00.000-04:002011-04-05T13:31:39.624-04:00A perfect Monday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L4iLWJryCP4/TZtQFYZpK9I/AAAAAAAAAXk/jqWQft0A7hw/s1600/DSC00483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L4iLWJryCP4/TZtQFYZpK9I/AAAAAAAAAXk/jqWQft0A7hw/s320/DSC00483.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Here's a pic of Ryleigh riding a pony at the zoo. She absolutely loves riding! I think this was her 5th pony ride, which is a lot considering she's only 2, but I just love seeing the look on her face, so I keep treating her to more rides!<br /><br />Yesterday was so wonderful. After 3 weeks of Ryan only being off on Sunday he finally got a 2 day weekend! I have been going insane dealing with 2 kids all the time, and not getting a break, so it was extra nice having him here.<br />We spent the day at the zoo and had a very nice time together as a family. It was our first fun outing as a family of four. Of course Xander slept through the whole thing, but that kind of made it easier.<br /><br />After the zoo we had more paperwork to sign for the house (does it ever end?), and we went grocery shopping. Those were not so fun, but it was a relief to get that paperwork signed because it puts us one step closer to actually owning our house!<br /><br />I just love having my husband home, and spending some good quality time with him yesterday made me appreciate and love him even more!Micaylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01645405797975209528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578151840606321898.post-29279733877742528902011-03-28T22:09:00.000-04:002011-03-28T22:09:39.244-04:00It's me againSo I totally haven't had time to update my blog. Probably because if I sit at the computer I usually have 1 kid on my lap, and one kid trying to climb on me, and that makes it difficult to type!<br /><br />I've been busy-ish with trying to get back into the swing of things. I cooked my first dinner as a mom of 2 today. I think that was the only thing I hadn't tackled yet since Xander was born. So I guess that means I'm back to normal.... but let's see how it goes when I return to work :-(<br /><br />Other than kid stuff I've been busy fantasizing about all the things I want to do to our house, and all the things I want to buy, and what paint colors I should choose. It's going to be a slow, very long process of getting the house the way I want it to be. But, if we can just get new floors in the downstairs before we move in I will be happy :-)<br /><br />And I think my baby boy gets more and more handsome every day... unfortunately I never have my camera close by when I need it, so we have a serious lack of pics going on!Micaylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01645405797975209528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578151840606321898.post-69778169298165993172011-03-12T09:29:00.000-05:002011-03-12T09:29:46.764-05:00One week inXander was officially a week old last night at 9:54pm. I have to say, this week has been a lot easier than I had been expecting. Yes, there was a lot of pain, a lot of tears and emotions, and a lot of frustration, but not as bad as I thought.<br /><br />Thank God for my mom! She has been so great about jumping in and helping out with Ryleigh, cooking meals, cleaning up, and driving me to the places I need to go. She has made this week so much easier. I'm so nervous about when she leaves on Monday!!<br /><br />Ryan has been wonderful too. It's nice that he's more confident with taking care of a baby this time around. He had no qualms about changing diapers, getting Xander dressed, or whatever else needs to be done.<br /><br />And thankfully Xander has been good. Aside from one sleepless night he has been doing really well. He wakes up to eat about 2 times in the night, and then usually goes back to sleep. I can honestly say that I do not feel sleep deprived! I can't believe it. I expected to be a walking zombie for a few weeks. <br /><br />Starting tomorrow people from church will start bringing us some meals, and I am so thankful for that! It will be so nice not to have to worry about dinner next week as I adjust to life with two kids, and without my mom here to help!<br /><br />In other news, this week we finally signed the contract on our house and signed some loan papers for our mortgage. Next step, inspection on Monday!Micaylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01645405797975209528noreply@blogger.com1